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By KIRRALEE NICOLLE Sixty-five children from Grade 3 to Year 8 and 20 leaders and junior leaders gathered from 3-6 July in Blampied, Victoria’s Central Highlands, to develop creative skills and social connections at the Junior Creative Arts Camp. What leaders didn’t expect was that so many would also experience the wonder of Jesus. The yearly camp, held over mid-year school holidays, offers a chance to develop skills in brass and other musical instruments such as ukulele, dance, drama and visual arts. This year, students also had the opportunity to learn audio-visual and media skills. Victorian worship arts coordinator Julia Roper said the camp focused on beginner-level training so that children could develop an interest without pressure. “It’s just giving the kids a chance to try something,” she said. “To see what they like, what they can do. This is something where I think they come out feeling like they’ve achieved something [because] they can see the fruits of their week.” Another new feature of this year’s camp was a Jesus Theatre project performed by leaders. Julia said some children at the camp hadn’t heard the Gospel message before the production, and one child told leaders they were no longer an atheist. “It was really quite powerful,” she said. “The kids really responded well to it, to the point where we had children coming together with leaders wanting to pray to [accept] Jesus as their Lord and Saviour for the first time. “We were really thankful for that experience and hope that will have a long-lasting impact on those kids and that they'll have gone home thinking a little bit more about who Jesus is and what that means for them.” To find out more about the camp or other worship arts programs, click here.

Three Melbourne Salvation Army corps are coming together at the Brunswick Corps for an evening of worship and prayer ahead of the inaugural National Creative Arts Conference. The event is an all-ages initiative organised by members of the Box Hill, Merri-Bek and Brunswick corps, and event directors say it comes as a response to a growing need for new directions. Worship arts coordinator for community engagement Jason Simmonds said the organisers believed God was opening their eyes to new possibilities and that collaboration and unity were key to that space. “We’ve been through a season of liminality where we’re in this post-COVID, post-church, postmodern era, and God is doing a new thing,” he said. “We can’t go back to church the way it was. “If we don’t adjust our approach, we could miss what God is trying to do in this.” Jason and the administration assistant from Box Hill Corps, Emma George, said the night would feature cutting-edge new songs from Revolution Worship, as well as quiet prayer spaces. They said the event’s timing was critical for focusing on Jesus and listening to the Holy Spirit, as it is set to occur the day before the first National Creative Arts Conference. “We’re unapologetically going to be using current music that will appeal to hopefully a broad audience,” Jason said. “We just really want to create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move.We really want to come to God in total adoration of who he is.” The event is open to all and will also feature an age-appropriate worship program for children. “We gotta get them worshipping early,” Emma said. “But certainly anybody, any age, we’d love to have. The more the merrier!” – Kirralee Nicolle

The Salvation Army in Kropvinitsky, Ukraine, is working hard to give children in the area a (northern) summer of fun and relaxation – some time out from the trauma of the war they live with every day. Officers, staff and volunteers led day camps where the children played games, worked on crafts and all things outer space, learned about the Bible and the love of Jesus, practised the tambourine and enjoyed time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. One of the officers commented that it was lovely to see the children having fun, laughing, and not having time to be fearful or sad. Other corps throughout Ukraine are running similar activities to give local and displaced children as many opportunities as possible for fun, friendship and as ‘normal’ a summer break as possible.

“Serving Jesus in community, watching people grow, participating in God’s work and seeing transformation is like a glimpse of heaven.” These are just some of the thoughts from Territorial Leader Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett as they reflect on the most exciting times they’ve both witnessed whilst serving the Lord in officership.

By CLIFF WORTHING Coats and conversations are warming hearts of Gold Coast residents doing it tough. Coats, jackets and shoes donated by Salvos stores and local workers are hung on a tree near the Southport Courthouse for those feeling the cold to access for free. This is the fourth Gold Coast winter that the Coat Tree has operated. Salvationist Kevin Lawler from the Gold Coast Temple Corps, began the Coat Tree as a volunteer. He is now employed as a community engagement worker and is supported by a few volunteers. “We are having really cool conversations,” Kevin said. “People are hurting. They want to be heard and they feel safe sharing with the Salvos.” Just this week, a person struck up a conversation with Kevin about his situation. Kevin supported him through his court appearance, referred him to Fairhaven (Gold Coast Recovery Services) and will keep the relationship going through the corps’ Positive Lifestyle Program. “We are now receiving lots of quality donations of coats and jackets from workers in the courthouse precinct,” Kevin said. “This week a person donated one hundred pairs of thongs because often people experiencing homelessness don’t have shoes. “We are meeting a need and having everyday conversations, including faith conversations,” Kevin said.

By GARTH R. HENTZSCHEL The Salvation Army has links to a number of geographical locations in Australia – various parks, streets, hills and suburbs, for example. There is, however, one that few Australians will ever get to see. These are the Gowlett Peaks in Antarctica, named after a Salvationist diesel engineer who later became a Salvation Army officer. Major Alan Gowlett was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, to a well-known family in the local corps. When World War Two broke out, he tried to enlist; however, being too young, Alan moved south to work at Newport Railway Workshop in Victoria, which had been converted into an aircraft factory. In April 1943, he joined the Australia Imperial Forces. Two years later, he saw his first action in the last major battles of the war, during the invasion of Borneo. After the war, Alan became engaged to Elizabeth (Beth) Winifred Steinberg, whose mother was at one stage editor of the Melbourne edition of The Salvation Army children’s publication The Young Soldier. Their marriage took place on 11 February 1950 at Hawthorn Corps in Melbourne. In 1951, Alan joined the Government Scientific Observation Party, which was part of the new Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) that had been formed in August 1947. These were the formative years of Antarctic scientific research. Alan was appointed to Macquarie Island (in the south-west Pacific Ocean below New Zealand) as the diesel and electrical engineer, and campfire officer. Alan returned home from Macquarie Island on the Antarctic ship Tatton. In 1954, Alan was again chosen to join another expedition with ANARE, this time to Mawson Base on the mainland of Antarctica. He would arrive just one year after the foundation of the base. The voyage to Heard Island (in the southern Indian Ocean) took 16 days, and the ship experienced heavy seas that caused some damage. Upon the ship’s arrival in Antarctica, Alan’s first job was to erect an additional 10 huts, which went up in the first three weeks. Throughout the remainder of the year, more buildings were constructed until there were 19 separate buildings including scientific huts, storage huts, sleeping huts and a new surgery. In addition to the scientific work on the base, field journeys for scientific experimentation and exploration were conducted. In December 1955, news reached Australia of a mountain range that had been discovered. Some of these mountain peaks were named the Gowlett Peaks, in honour of Alan. The Gowlett Peaks are described as a small group of isolated peaks, consisting of tall, sharp twin peaks and two close outliers, in MacRobertson Land, Antarctica. Alan assisted with the exploration parties, often leaving the base in dangerous polar conditions to maintain the equipment. For his work in Antarctica, Alan received the Polar Medal. It was while he was in Antarctica that Alan experienced his call to Salvation Army officership. On his return to Australia, he learned that Beth had also received the call to full-time service as an officer. The Gowletts entered The Salvation Army Officer Training College from Hawthorn Corps on 13 March 1958, in the Courageous session. After their commissioning, they served as officers in South Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia, in both corps and social work. The Gowletts also served in the Caribbean Central America Territory as managers of the Blind Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Alan and Beth entered retirement in 1987 and remained active in The Salvation Army. At Alan’s thanksgiving service upon his promotion to glory in 1998, a tribute was given by Fred Elliot representing the Antarctic expeditions. In the remotest places on earth, there are marks of Salvationists’ service in varying ways. For Alan Gowlett’s service to the exploration of Antarctica, there are peaks named in his honour, pointing heavenwards to his God. *This is an edited version of Garth R. Hentzschel’s article “Salvation on ice: An Antarctic landmark linked to an Australian Salvationist”, The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History, Vol 4, Issue 1, 2019, 40-58.

Christmas in July is often thought of as an opportunity to enjoy a traditional British hot roast dinner and fun celebration in the middle of an Australian winter. It’s also an excuse to get together with friends and family and dust off the Christmas tree and decorations for a mid-year airing. Salvos in different parts of the country are celebrating Christmas in July for all kinds of reasons. Check out last weekend’s event at Riverland Salvos (SA) below. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS A Christmas in July quiz night, complete with a silent auction, trading table and Father Christmas giving out fun gifts, was one of the many fundraisers the Riverland (SA) Salvos are hosting this year to ensure continued operation of their community outreach programs. “Funds raised include assisting seasonal workers with food and other necessities when they are between jobs, community meals, Christmas toys and hampers for around 400 families, back-to-school programs, and a ready supply of food on hand in case of emergencies,” said Helen Adamczyk, community engagement worker who also (voluntarily) leads Riverland Corps. The Christmas in July quiz night raised $2500 for the Red Shield Appeal, and an additional $815.00 for the Riverland Christmas Appeal. “Riverland Salvos also looks after five surrounding towns and works with other local agencies, such as mental health services provider Mind Australia, that may not have the funding available to help that we do,” she added. “The corps has also kicked off a ‘toastie and cuppa’ event in the middle of town each Wednesday to build relationships in the community and promote Salvation Army services and create faith pathways. “There are always projects coming our way, such as toiletry packs for the local Cadell Prison that came through our chaplain. We work in with anyone who passes our door who has a genuine need." Increased need In response to the rising cost of living and the impact of recent floods, Riverland Salvos are seeing an increase in the number of people coming through their doors. Helen said that her team is looking to open the corps building in the evenings to provide toasties and hot drinks, as well as fruit, bread and other essentials, for those who can’t make it during the day. The church’s strong partnership with Foodbank and contract with Second Bite (free bread and produce), as well as community donations and dedicated volunteers, help make these programs possible as well. “Our main driver is to connect with the community, see what needs are out there and build relationships,” she said. “Faith is an amazing thing. Something always turns up,” she said.

Following a meeting of The General’s Council last month, General Brian Peddle has approved the official recognition of the commencement of the Army’s work in the Kingdom of Thailand, making it the 134th country in which The Salvation Army has a legally and officially recognised ministry. Although the process for registration of The Salvation Army as a legal entity began in 2016, it was only on 28 April 2023 that the government of Chiang Province approved the establishment of The Salvation Army, with the work in Thailand coming under the direction of the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory. The Salvation Army began to explore the possibility of ministry in the country during a visit to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, in 2012. Recognised as a developing country with a population approaching 70 million, a need for the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and the work of the Army was identified as, despite a strong economy, freedom of religion and open and friendly ties with the West, wealth and prosperity is enjoyed by some while others live in poverty. Pioneering work in Chiang Mai was undertaken in August 2014 when International Headquarters appointed Majors Ken and Neva Phiouthong to initiate research and development – work that continued to advance under subsequent officers and lay personnel. There has been a worshipping community since 2015, with the joyful enrolment of soldiers under each leadership team. The activities of The Salvation Army in Thailand have been diverse, including assisting flood victims, visiting prisons and offering support to the homeless and those living in poverty. Other work to share the good news has included camps for underprivileged children, sports ministry, team and women’s group Bible studies, fundraising, fellowship events, men’s fellowship gatherings and home visits. Currently the corps has 15 senior soldiers, eight recruits for soldiership, five Sunday school participants, six corps council members, eight in the women’s group and seven people attending online meetings. We celebrate God’s timing in officially opening the doors for The Salvation Army’s work in Thailand. We march forward with grateful hearts to fulfil God’s mission for the Army in the country. May he continue to lead and grant us wisdom as we seek to build a strong Salvation Army in Thailand.

BY ANTHONY CASTLE Cameron Brewis is the youth team leader at Riverside Gawler Corps in Adelaide’s outer northern region. He started the youth program four years ago after realising he could make a difference in the lives of young people. Cameron’s own life changed course following a moment of prayer outside a courthouse and the prospect of time in prison. “I was at the pub one night having a beer, and Darren (Darren Dwyer, Riverside Gawler Corps Officer) was doing the pubs ministry. We struck up a conversation and built a relationship. At that time, I had dates in court, looking at jail time and was maybe going away for six years. Outside the courthouse, Darren supported me, we prayed and put it in God’s hands. I walked out with a fine. I then quit my job and went into full-time ministry. From that day on, I decided to dedicate my life to God.” Cameron began volunteering at Riverside Gawler Corps, including managing the café and helping with the other programs. Gawler is the oldest town in South Australia, but urban sprawl is quickly turning it into an outer northern suburb of Adelaide. Rural areas surrounding the town are becoming suburban developments to accommodate the growing population and new families. With this rapid growth rate comes significant challenges, and Cameron knows the town’s young people face a tough time. “I wanted to see the youth space in Gawler grow,” Cameron explains. “I wanted to keep young people from going down the path I went down. I can catch them and have the perspective and life experience that can help. There can be drug use and violence here. Some of these kids have been in care, parents living out of their cars. The closest suburbs are also lower socio-economic areas, and guys come up on the train line, sometimes causing trouble.” Cameron oversees the Riverside Gawler youth program on Friday nights, life groups, and school programs throughout the week. They facilitate a cooking class for young people that supports their study goals. Young people in the Gawler area are less likely to study or work, and fewer are pursuing full-time secondary education. “We take four to six young people and go through basic cooking skills, and they prepare meals for the homelessness program,” Cameron says. “They learn skills, we build relationships, and they do something for others. They also get points towards finishing high school. A lot of these guys don’t have the life skills, and their schooling can go off the rails easily.” Education and employment are key challenges for young people in town, but the risks associated with the area can be higher. Tragically, young people in the Gawler area are twice as likely to die from preventable causes – such as suicide, road accident, or assault – than in the Greater Adelaide region. For young people in Gawler, the stakes are high. “It’s all at stake,” Cameron says. “Unfortunately, some of these kids don’t have good role models or a father who’s around, or there might be parents with addiction issues. If young people don’t have the right support, there’s only one way to go. The repercussions of not being given the right life skills are huge.” Cameron has plans to grow the youth programs at Riverside Gawler Corps, to train leaders and build programs for different age ranges, and to continue to make some hope for those young people facing tough times. “We have a young person who is from the foster care system,” Cameron explains. “We took them to a youth event, and they gave their heart to God. It’s made a huge impact on their life. There’s a hope you can get out of those situations too, that there is a God who loves you and cares for you and can remove you from those tough times.” If you or anyone you know needs help, contact: Lifeline at www.lifeline.org.au or call 131 114. Headspace at headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/ or call 1800 650 890. Mensline Australia at mensline.org.au or call 1300 789 978.

The Tom Quinn Cafe in Bundaberg, Central Queensland, isn't your typical cafe. Their mission is to change lives by training young people and those looking to return to the workforce with valuable skills in the kitchen, as well as in life. Bryce shares how his volunteering led to a paid traineeship at the cafe, and how the trust extended to him empowered him to take on new challenges.

By LAUREN MARTIN On the southern side of Sydney city is a place in Waterloo known simply as ‘the towers’ – the biggest social housing estate in Australia, consisting of several tower apartment blocks, terraces and single-story homes. It’s home to more than 2000 people. On the edge of the precinct is The Salvation Army’s City Salvos Waterloo mission. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, people can stay for as long or as little as they like, and there’s usually coffee and chats to be had! The mission forms part of Sydney City Salvos’ footprint across the city and is overseen by Sydney City Salvos Team Leader Mitchell Evans. He says whilst Waterloo has had different service offerings over the years, it has always been a safe space for local residents. “Our chaplains who come alongside people at Sydney City Salvos Waterloo have demonstrated a ministry of consistency. “They just keep on turning up. I think of our weekly barbeque, some weeks we would cook the snags, and no one would turn up, but the consistency of being there and doing that and being open to connecting with people is the key. People know that at certain times and on certain days, we will be there, and that creates a sense of safety.” Inner-city chaplain, Captain Bronwyn Moon, works across each of the inner-city services, from homelessness accommodation to Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services. On Mondays, she is faithfully available to run Faith Space at City Salvos Waterloo. “I can have one person, or I can have six,” she says of the small group that meets in the City Salvos Waterloo community café. Faith Space started before Bronwyn’s appointment out of a need to provide faith pathways outside of Sundays. “We were being told by several older people in Waterloo that because of increased violence and drug use on weekends, they would lock themselves in their unit on a Friday afternoon and not come out until Monday morning when there were more people and services around,” says Mitch. The Monday group has explored Christianity Explained and is currently going through a book called God Has You in His Hands.” It’s a real community type of feel,” says Bronwyn. “They come in because it’s a place where they feel safe, it’s somewhere for them to go, they see other people, and we have a laugh and a good time. Connections don’t happen overnight; they happen by consistency; they happen through the love of God. We might be the only Bible they read.” On Tuesday, City Salvos Waterloo hosts a different inner-city chaplain, Major Irene Pleffer. She assists in the café and takes time to have intentional conversations with community members who drop in. “I love having deep conversations,” she says. “I have been able to link two of those people to Hope Dinner, and one came to Congress Hall for meetings.” Loneliness and isolation are significant issues for many who live in Waterloo, so the chaplains aim to build community, not only on-site at our City Salvos Waterloo site but connect community members to other Sydney City Salvos expressions such as the weekly Hope Dinner at Sydney Congress Hall, and Sunday Services. Through these additional connections, community members are meeting friends and engaging more fully in healthy community. One of the most popular days at City Salvos Waterloo is Wednesday – barbeque day! A third inner-city chaplain, Major Bill Geracia, joins the team and throws some snags on and has a chat with many of the men who hang around to help. “We had one community member who we knew from a different inner-city service,” he says. “He said, ‘I have nothing to do on Wednesdays,’ and I said, ‘I’m at City Salvos Waterloo and do a barbeque,’ and he’s like: ‘I just moved around the corner from there!’ So, he was coming over for six weeks helping out with the barbeque because he has a very servant heart. “He was straight out of William Booth [a Salvation Army alcohol and other drugs service] and into a transitional house, and he was volunteering for six weeks on the barbeque with me, and now he has a job.” All through a ministry of consistency, of building connections across multiple locations, and creating safe places and spaces for people to be part of. Please keep all our Sydney City Salvos locations and personnel in your prayers.